DIXIE Gold staged a golden performance as he upstaged heavy favorite Low Profile in the recent PCSO Presidential Gold Cup.
The victory was definitely sweet for owner and breeder Joseph “Joey” Dyhengco as he finally conquered the elusive Gold Cup-Silver Cup double following the unexpected victory of his other prized filly, Skyway, in the mid-year classic.
It was a vindication of sorts for the youthful businessman, whose long years of passion and commitment to the sport started way back in 1998 with champion sprinter Jaguar.
“We deliberately rested Dixie Gold for one-and-a-half months in preparation for the Gold Cup and fortunately for us, the pace of the race worked in our favor and played perfectly to his come-from-behind running style,” said Dyhengco.
Dixie Gold completed the 2,000-meter race in 2:08 with quarters of 23.6-23.4-26.4-26.6-28 at San Lazaro Leisure Park (SLLP) in Carmona, Cavite.
An island-born four-year-old bay colt by leading California-based stallion Dixie Chatter out of My Gal’s Gold by Gold Alert, Dixie Gold showed promise by finishing third in the PCSO Special Maiden race two years ago.
Dixie Gold’s victory also served as a major boost to jockey Patricio “Patty” Dilema, who has lately been overshadowed by younger contemporaries, as he picked up his third Presidential Gold Cup title. Dilema first won atop Wind Blown in 2001 and Pugad Lawin in 2013.
Dyhengco also commended horse trainer Anthony Francisco and the Cool Summer Farm team for another splendid job.